Japan's Mount Fuji Overtourism Sparks Higher Visitor Fees

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Yes, overtourism is a real issue in Japan! But whether the new entry fee will actually help with overcrowding depends on how it’s rolled out and how people react. Will climbers see it as a necessary step for preserving the mountain, or will it stir up backlash against overtourism policies?

The soaring popularity of climbing Japan's Mount Fuji has sparked overtourism concerns. The Shizuoka Prefectural Government is considering charging climbers JPY 3,000 ($19) to JPY 5,000 ($30) per head starting next summer. The fee is aimed at curbing overcrowding and promoting safety.

The government also plans to restrict overnight climbs from all three trails on the Shizuoka side, except for those with reservations at mountain huts.

Climbing this UNESCO World Heritage site has become a bucket-list activity for both locals and international travelers. During the climbing season from July to September, the trails are often packed with thousands of hikers. This year between early July and early September, around 204,000 people climbed Mt Fuji, and while this marked an 8% drop from the previous year, congestion remains a critical issue.

Entry Regulations and Fees

Yamanashi Prefecture, which share

Japan's Mount Fuji Overtourism Sparks Higher Visitor Fees

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